In the field of stormwater management, sediment disposal is a big issue. If you’re responsible for handling stormwater runoff for a commercial property, a personal property, or a larger area such as a town or city, you know that dealing with sediment is an important part of your job. If you’re new to the concept of sediment disposal, discover more about this type of waste and explore some ways to handle it.
Definition of Sediment
Sediment is matter that settles to the bottom of a body of water, such as a pond, lake, or river. It’s the non-soluble bits that gather at the bottom of pools and streams after being eroded by weather or washed down by rain.
Problems with Excess Sediment
Too much sediment can cause clogs, change the path of a river or stream, and eventually cause flooding or additional erosion. An excess of sediment can turn a clean river into a muddy one or fill up too much of a reservoir, reducing how much space it has for water. Sediment may hamper the ability of certain native species to spawn and thrive in local bodies of water.
Opportunities for Sediment Reuse
Communities that have bodies of water within or near them must deal with the after-effects of sediment. Fortunately, with the help of companies like Kurtz Bros., sediment management can become an asset instead of a nuisance. Kurtz Bros. employs a variety of time-tested methods to reuse sediment in a way that benefits the community and the natural world.
Some sediment can be tested and repurposed as topsoil or for other agricultural needs. The sediment may also be used to create construction aggregate, to cap landfills, or to fill other gaps in landscape. Sometimes, sediment serves to nourish and extend beach properties.
Collection of Sediment
Thanks to Kurtz Bros. and its partners, sediment can be passively collected without interfering with the natural flow of streams or rivers. The sediment collectors are less invasive and more effective than dredging. Once the sediment is harvested, it goes to a facility to be processed.
Locations for Sediment Repurposing and Redistribution
Next, the sediment is tested and processed at one of the modern sediment recycling centers. These state-of-the-art facilities find ways to turn sediment into viable products and commodities that are popular in the local market.
Are you interested in finding better ways to collect and dispose of sediment in stormwater management? Kurtz Bros. offers environmental consulting to help you decide which methods and processes would work best for your situation. Contact us today to learn more about beneficial reuse for sediment.
